Two University of Kentucky men’s tennis players made their way into quarterfinal action following the first day ofcompetition in the 2000 Ball State Invitational in Muncie, Ind. Junior Johan Grunditz and freshman Justin Kinney advancedthrough the first two rounds during Friday’s action.

Grunditz knocked out Eastern Illinois’ C.J. Weber in impressive fashion 6-0, 6-2, before facing Toledo’s Pete Baghdati.Grunditz won the first set 6-3 before Baghdati retired due to injury, giving Grunditz the match in straight sets. Grunditzreturns to action tomorrow when he faces Illinois State’s Yew Ming Si at 10 a.m.

In his first appearance as a Wildcat, Kinney defeated Butler’s Josh Rey 6-4, 7-6 (2). Kinney went on to take outWestern Michigan’s Christian Brattstrom 6-4, 7-6 (8). Kinney will also see quarterfinal action tomorrow at 10 a.m. when hetakes on Louisville’s Marek Blaskovic. Also competing in the tournament was junior Reven Stephens, who defeated Louisville’s Paulo Carvalho in the first round ofcompetition, 6-4, 6-4, before falling to Northern Illinois’ Raymond Van Wasbeek 6-0, 6-1.

Competition continues tomorrow with the quarterfinals and semifinals, before Sunday’s finals conclude the invitational.The Cats return to home action next weekend Sept. 29-Oct. 1, when they play host to the Charles Fluitt Collegiate Classic.